New Delhi: There is no MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, or Suresh Raina in Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s playing XI for the first time in Indian Premier League
(IPL) history as they lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their opening game of the 2026 season. CSK are taking on Rajasthan Royals in a blockbuster clash at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
The match marks a significant moment in CSK’s history as the franchise has fielded an XI without one of Dhoni, Raina or Jadeja for the first time since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Dhoni was appointed as CSK’s captain from the inaugural edition, with Raina part of the squad. Dhoni and Raina formed the initial core of the team before Jadeja joined the team in 2012.
Much like Dhoni and Raina, Jadeja went on to become one of the vital cogs in the CSK line-up and spent 12 seasons with the franchise before leaving in 2025. Jadeja left CSK for his former team, the Rajasthan Royals, after being traded to the 2008 champions in exchange for Sanju Samson. Raina, on the other hand, retired in September 2022 after representing CSK for 13 seasons from 2008.
Dhoni is not part of CSK’s playing XI in their IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals as the legendary wicket-keeper batter is recovering from a calf strain. He is set to miss two weeks of action in the ongoing season as he continues his rehab. Dhoni’s injury means CSK have had to field a playing XI without their iconic trio for the first time since 2008.
CSK are also missing their star batter Dewald Brevis against RR as he is recovering from a side strain. In the absence of the duo, CSK named young Ayush Mhatre at no.3, with Gaikwad and Samson opening the innings. The five-time champions also handed debuts to Matt Short, Matt Henry and young Kartik Sharma. Meanwhile, all-rounder Prashant Veer has been named in the Impact Sub list.
CSK’s playing XI against RR in IPL 2026:
Sanju Samson (wK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed
When did MS Dhoni last miss an IPL game?
MS Dhoni last missed an IPL match for CSK in the 2019 season. He sat out of CSK’s clash against Mumbai Indians due to an injury. Dhoni has missed only six matches in his IPL career so far, including the IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals on Monday.
CSK had at least one of Dhoni, Raina or Jadeja in their playing XI for as many as 277 matches in a row from 2008 before Monday. While it marks the begining of a new era for the five-time champions, it remains to be seen how CSK will cope with Dhoni’s absence in IPL 2026.
